The iconic red KitchenAid stand mixer comes in two popular shades, Candy Apple Red and Empire Red, but they offer very different aesthetics. Empire Red is the brand's signature bright, classic, opaque red, while Candy Apple Red is a deeper, richer hue with a subtle metallic finish that gives it a luxurious, automotive-paint look.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right red for your kitchen's style.
KitchenAid Empire Red
Empire Red is the quintessential KitchenAid color. It's a bold, primary red that has become synonymous with the brand's classic, retro-inspired design. If you picture a red KitchenAid mixer, this is almost certainly the color you have in mind. Its bright, energetic look makes it a popular choice for creating a vibrant focal point in the kitchen.
- What it is: KitchenAid's signature, classic bright red color option with a glossy, opaque finish.
- Key features: Solid, single-tone color without metallic or pearl effects. It is a true, traditional red with a high-gloss sheen.
- Price: Standard color option, does not typically carry an upcharge compared to other basic colors.
- Style: Classic, retro, vintage, and farmhouse. Its bold hue works as an energetic pop of color in both modern and traditional kitchens.
- Pros: The most iconic KitchenAid color. Pairs well with a wide variety of decors. Adds a cheerful and energetic statement to countertops. A timeless look that won't go out of style.
- Cons: High-gloss finish can be prone to showing fingerprints and smudges. Its brightness may be too loud for minimalist or muted kitchen aesthetics.
Empire Red is ideal for anyone who wants that classic, timeless KitchenAid look and a bright, energizing burst of color on their countertop.
Shop this color: kitchenaid.com/colors/empire-red.html
KitchenAid Candy Apple Red
Candy Apple Red is a premium, sophisticated take on the brand's famous red. It offers a deeper, richer color with a multi-coat, metallic finish that gives it incredible depth, much like the paint on a classic car. This subtle shimmer catches the light beautifully, giving the appliance a more luxurious and complex appearance than its classic counterpart.
- What it is: A deep, rich ruby red color option with a distinctive metallic or pearlescent finish.
- Key features: Multiple layers of paint create visual depth and a subtle shimmer. The color appears to shift slightly depending on the lighting.
- Price: Sometimes classified as a premium finish and may carry a slight price increase over base colors like Empire Red, depending on the retailer.
- Style: Modern, luxurious, and sophisticated. It elevates the classic mixer silhouette, making it suitable for high-end and contemporary kitchen designs.
- Pros: Deeper and more complex color than Empire Red. The metallic finish adds a touch of elegance and can help hide minor smudges. Feels more unique and custom.
- Cons: May not fit as seamlessly into strictly retro or farmhouse style kitchens. The specific shade might be harder to match with other red accessories.
Candy Apple Red is designed for those who appreciate a more complex, luxurious color and a modern, polished aesthetic in their kitchen appliances.
Candy Apple Red vs. Empire Red Comparison
Hue & Finish
The most significant difference lies in the color and finish. Empire Red is a bright, opaque, single-tone red with a straightforward glossy finish. It's the crayon-box red everyone recognizes. It’s vibrant, pure, and consistent in all lighting conditions.
In contrast, Candy Apple Red is a deeper, darker shade, closer to a rich ruby or cranberry. Its special metallic finish contains fine flecks that catch the light, creating a sense of depth and shimmer that Empire Red lacks. This gives it a more dynamic and luxurious appearance that can look slightly different from various angles.
Style & Aesthetic
Each red lends itself to a different kitchen style. The classic brightness of Empire Red is a perfect match for retro, mid-century modern, and farmhouse aesthetics. It provides a fun, cheerful pop of color that feels nostalgic and welcoming. It's the bolder, more playful option.
Candy Apple Red has a more serious and sophisticated personality. Its rich, metallic sheen coordinates beautifully with modern, contemporary, or transitional kitchens. It pairs well with stainless steel, dark cabinetry, and stone countertops, creating a look that is polished and high-end.
Care & Maintenance
Both colors are finished with a durable powder coat that is designed to be chip-resistant and easy to clean. You can care for either finish by wiping them down with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. However, the perfectly uniform, high-gloss surface of Empire Red tends to show fingerprints and smudges more readily than Candy Apple Red, whose subtle metallic texture helps to camouflage minor marks.
Price & Availability
Empire Red is one of KitchenAid's core colors and is widely available across their entire range of countertop appliances. It is a standard color choice and rarely costs extra. Candy Apple Red is also widely available for popular products like stand mixers, but as a premium finish, it can sometimes come with a slightly higher price tag depending on the product and retailer.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both options deliver the same legendary KitchenAid performance, so your decision is purely about visual preference and your kitchen's personality.
Choose Empire Red if:
- You want the classic, iconic KitchenAid look that never goes out of style.
- Your kitchen has a cheerful retro, cozy farmhouse, or a classic American design.
- You're looking for a bright, energetic pop of primary color to be a fun focal point.
- You want to match other classic red kitchenware or accessories easily.
Choose Candy Apple Red if:
- You prefer a deeper, richer red with more visual depth and elegance.
- Your kitchen aesthetic is more modern, contemporary, or transitional.
- You appreciate a luxurious finish that resembles a high-quality automotive paint job.
- You want a sophisticated red that stands out from the classic standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between KitchenAid Candy Apple Red and Empire Red?
The main difference is hue and finish. Empire Red is a solid, bright, primary red with a glossy finish. Candy Apple Red is a deeper, darker red with a fine metallic or pearlescent finish that adds shimmer and depth.
Is Candy Apple Red darker than Empire Red?
Yes, Candy Apple Red is a noticeably deeper and richer shade of red than the brighter, more vibrant Empire Red. It often has more dark undertones, giving it a ruby-like appearance.
Which KitchenAid red is more popular?
Empire Red is the signature, classic color that is likely the most sold and widely recognized. Candy Apple Red is an extremely popular choice for those seeking a more premium, modern finish.
Does Candy Apple Red have sparkles?
It has a fine metallic fleck or pearl-like effect in the finish rather than large, distinct sparkles or glitter. The effect creates a subtle sheen and shimmer when it catches the light, giving the color its depth.
Do the colors look different in person than online?
Yes, screen calibration can alter how colors appear. Candy Apple Red, in particular, should be seen in person if possible, as its metallic quality and dimensionality are hard to capture accurately in a photo.
Which color is easier to keep clean?
Both are easy to clean with a soft cloth. However, the uniform high-gloss finish of Empire Red may show smudges and fingerprints more easily. The subtle texture of the Candy Apple Red finish can help camouflage these minor marks slightly better.
Does one color cost more than the other?
Typically, Empire Red is a standard color with no extra cost. Candy Apple Red is often considered a premium finish and may be priced slightly higher on certain models or at specific retailers.
How do I care for my KitchenAid's colored finish?
To clean either finish, use a soft, damp cloth with a little mild soap if needed. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or dull the glossy enamel finish.
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